Multiposition rotary switch with radially inner and outer drive elements and replaceable moveable contact carriages



Sept. 16, 1969 w. N. SCHINK 3,467,793

MULTIPOSITION ROTARY SWIT WITH RADIALLY INNER AND OUTER DRIVE ELEME AND REPLACEABLE MQVEABLE CONTACT CARRIAGES Filed Aug. 31, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. ZJFJO INVENTOR ZZJz'ZZzam 77.5mm

e azi' s w. N. SCHINK Sept. 16, 1969 MULTIPOSITION ROTARY SWITCH WITH RADIALLY INNER AND OUTER DRIVE ELEMENTS AND REPLACBABLB MOVEABLE CONTACT CARRIAGES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 31, 1967 FIG, 9

United States PatentO 3,467,793 r MULTIPOSITION ROTARY SWITCH WITH RADIALLY INNER AND OUTER DRIVE ELEMENTS ANDREPLACEABLE MOVE- ABLE CONTACT CARRIAGES William N.-Schink, Crystal Lake,-Ill., assignor to Indak Manufacturing Corp., Northbrook, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Filed Aug. 31, 1967, Ser. No. 664,705 I v. 'Int. Cl..H01h 19/58, 21/78 U.S. Cl. 200- 11 .ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A rotary switch having a plurality of contactors mounted on an insulating carriage, each contactor being disposed substantially in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of said carriage, each contactor being driven, so as to rotate with said carriage, by inner and outer drive tabs on said contactor, said inner drive tag being received in a slot in the hub of said carriage, said additional drive'tab being received in a slot formed in a generally cylindrical flange on said contactor, said inner and outer drive tabs being substantially in said radial plane so that the driving forces on said contactor are substantially cplanar with the frictional forces between said contactor and the stationary contacts engaged thereby, the switch having a'detent plate rotatable with said carriage and having detent elements engageable with cooperating detent elements on the casing of the switch, said detent plate being biasedforwardly by a plurality of springs extending through openings in the carriage between the detent plate and the'contactors; an insulating member being carried by the detent plate to prevent the springs from establishing any electrical connection between the detent plate and-the contactors, the-detent plate being formed with a pairof flanges slidably received in slots formed in the carriage so'that the detent plate will rotate with the carriage, the insnlating'memb'er being in the form of a plate having slots plate.

This invention relates to electrical switches, and particularly to multiposition. rotary switches which are especially well adapted for automotive services.

'One object of the present invention is to provide a rotary switch having one or more contactors which are mounted on the rotary carriage and are held thereon with a high-degree of accuracy so that the various operating positions of the switch will be established with a high degree of precision.

#Afurther object is to provide a new and improved rotaryswitch in which the contactors are driven by forces which are substantially co-planar with the forces of fric- 13 Claims I receiving said flanges on said detent tional impedance on the contactors, so as to minimize the tendency of the contactors to rockout of position as they between the contactor and the stationary contact points,

but-in which the rocking movement of the contactors does not cause any substantial inaccuracy in the positioning of the contactors.

: A further object isto provide a new and improved.

electrical switch having a design which is universal in that such design maybe employed for a wide variety of switches, by changing thearrangement of the contactors and the contact points, while minimizing other necessary changesin the switch.

It is a further object to provide a universal switch de- ICC sign in which it is easy to locate the contactors whenever necessary or desirable on the rotatable carriage, and in which the other design features of the switch, particularly the detent construction, may remain unchanged, wherever the contactors may be positioned.

To carry out these general objectives a rotary switch may be provided, having a casing, an insulating carriage rotatable in the casing, an operating member connected to the carriage and extending out of the casing, a plurality of contacts mounted on the rear side of the carriage, one or more contactors mounted on the rear side of the carriage and selectively engageable with the contacts, each contactor being disposed substantially in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the carriage, the contactor being driven by drive elements which are substantially in said radial plane, said drive elements being formed on the contactor and the carriage, the drive elements on the contactor preferably comprising inner and outer tabs projecting radially from the contactor and disposed substantially in the radial plane of the contactor, the inner tab being received in a slot formed in a hub member on the carriage, the outer tab being received in a slot formed in a generally cylindrical flange on the carriage, the carriage preferably having a plurality of such flanges formed with slots for receiving the tabs of different contactors. The switch also preferably comprises a detent plate which is rotatable with the carriage. Detent elements are formed on the plate and are engageable with cooperating detent elements on the front wall of the casing. The detent plate is preferably biased forwardly by springs which extend through holes in the carriage and between the detent plate and the contactors. An insulating member is preferably carried by the detent plate to prevent the springs from establishing any electrical connection between the detent plate and the contactors. The detent plate is preferably coupled to the carriage by means of flanges on the detent plate. Such flanges are preferably received in slots or other openings in the carriage. The insulating member is preferably in the form of a plate having slots for receiving the flanges on the detent plate. This detent arrangement has the advantage that the same springs are used for the contactors and the detent plate. Moreover, the springs may be located anywhere on the carriage without necessitating any change in the detent plate. Thus, the detent arrangement of the switch may remain unchanged for many different versions of the switch, in which the contactors are located differently. Only minimum changes in the carriage are necessary to" accommodate changes in the positions of the contactors.

Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a rotary switch to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the switch.

BIG. 3 is a front view of the stationary cont-act head or board for the switch, the board being detached from the remainder of the switch.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the switch with the contact head or board removed.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the detent plate for the switch.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the insulating member carried by the detent plate.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the insulating carriage for the switch.

FIG. 8 is an edge view of the detent plate.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the casing for the switch, with the other components removed.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged section, taken generally along the line 10-10 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is another section, taken generally along the broken line 1111in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged section, taken generally along the line 12-12 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the contactors for the switch.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view, taken generally along the line 1414 in FIG. 4, and showing the driving connection between the contactor and the outer portion of the carriage.

It will be seen that the drawings illustrate a rotary electric switch 20 having a plurality of operating positions. The switch 20 is useful in many applications. For example, the switch may be employed in the temperature control system for the heater of an automotive vehicle.

The illustrated switch 20 comprises a casing 22 which is fitted with a mounting bracket 24. The illustrated casing 22 is rectangular in shape, but it may be of any suitable shape. As shown, the casing 22 has a front wall 26 and four sidewalls 28. The mounting bracket 24 is suitably secured to the front wall 26. As shown in FIG. 11, the front wall 26 is fromed with a central eyelet or sleeve 30 which extend through an opening 32 in the mounting bracket 24 and is formed outwardly to provide a retaining flange 34.

A carriage 36 is rotably mounted within the casing 22. Preferably, the carriage 36 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a suitable resinous plastic. The illustrated carriage 36 has a forwardly projecting shaft member 38 which is rotatably guided within the eyelet or sleeve 30.

An operating member 40 is connected to the forwardly projecting shaft portion 38 of the carriage 36 for use in rotating the carriage. The illustrated member 40 is in the form of a lever secured to the shaft portion 38. The lever 40 is disposed outside the front wall 26 of the casing 22 and is adapted to be connected to the temperature control system of the automotive heater.

In the illustrated switch 20, the rear side of the easing 22 is closed by a terminal head 42, comprising a plurality of terminals 44 mounted on a board or plate 46. The terminal board 46 is preferably made of an insulating material, such as a suitable plastic.

In the illustrated construction, the carriage 36 has a rear shaft member 48 which is rotatably guided in an opening 50 formed in the terminal board 46.

The terminal board 46 carries a plurality of stationary contacts, to be described in detail shortly. One or more contacts are mounted on the carriage 36, for selectively engaging the stationary contacts. The arrangement of the contactors may be varied to provide for various switching functions. The illustrated switch has five contactors 51-55, mounted on the rear side of the carriage 36. It will be seen that the contactors 51-55 radiate outwardly from the axis of the carriage 36. The illustrated contactors 51-55 are generally in the form of plates, made of copper or some other highly conductive material. Each contactor is disposed generally in a radial plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the rotary carriage 36.

Driving elements are provided on the contactors and the carriage 36, so that the contactors 'will be caused to rotate with the carriage. It is preferred to arrange the driving elements so that they are substantially in the radial plane of the contactors. In this way, the driving forces between the carriage 36 and the contactors are substantially co-planar with the forces of frictional resistance between the contactors and the various stationary contacts.

The contactors 51-55 are not all alike, but rather are somewhat different, to provide for different switching functions. However, the driving elements on the contactors 51-55 are substantially alike. Thus, it will be convenient to describe the driving elements on the first contactor 51, which is illustrated in FIG. 4, and also an enlarged scale in FIGS. 13 and 14. As shown, the driving elements comprise inner and outer tabs 58-and 60 which project from the inner and outer edges of the contactor 51. The tab 58 projects in a radially inward direction, while the tab 60 projects radially in an outward direction. Similar tabs are provided on the other contactors 52-55. v i

In the illustrated switch the driving elements on the rotary carriage 36 are in the form of slots .oropenings. However, it will be realized that the positions of thetabs and slots could be'reversed. Thus, the tabscould be formed on the rotary carriage, for engagement with slots on the contactors. 3

The inner and outer tabs 58 and 60 on the contactor 51 are slidably received in slots or openings 62 and 64, formed in the carriage 36. Similar slots or openings are formed on the carriage 36 to receive the tabs on the other contactors 52-55. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 11, the inner slot 62 is formed in a hub member 66 on the carriage 36. The hub member 66 is generally cylindrical and is centered upon the axis of the carriage. The outer slot 64 is formed in a generally cylindrical flange 68, concentric with the hub 66 and projecting rearwardly on the carriage 36.

The hub 66 has similar slots 62 for receiving the inner tabs 58 on all the contactors 51-55. The slots 62 are in various angular positions around the hub 66.

The outer slots 64 for some of the contactors are formed in the flange 68, while the outer slots for the other contactors are formed in a second cylindrical flange 70, projecting rearwardly on the carriage 36 and spaced inwardly from the flange 68. Thus, the outer slots 64 for the contactors 51, 53 and 55 are formed in the outer flange 68. The outer slots for the contactors 52 and 54 are formed in the inner flange 70.

The illustrated contactor 51 has a mid portion 72 which extends through an opening or slot 74 in the inner flange 70. Similar openings 74 are formed in the inner flange 70 to receive the contactors 53 and 55.

The arrangement of the stationary contacts on the terminal head 42 may be varied widely, to suit various switching functions. In the illustrated construction, as shown to best advantage in FIG. 3, the terminal board 46 is provided with an outer circle of contact points 81-91. As illustrated, the contact points 81-91 are of the well-known type, in the form of spherically rounded rivet heads. The corresponding rivets extend through the terminal board 46 and are secured to the various terminals 44. Suitable electrical leads 92 may be connected to the terminals 44. I

An insulating boss or point 94 is provided between the contact points and 91. A similar insulating boss 96 is disposed between the contact points 91 and 81. The insulating bosses 94 and 96 are preferably formed integrally with the insulating plate 46, and may be in the form of semi-perforations. I

In addition to the outer circle of contacts 81-91, the illustrated contact board 46 is provided with an inner circle of contact points 101-104. A dummy contact point 105 is along the same circle. An insulating boss orsemiperforation 108 is .provided between thecontact points 102 and 103. Two more insulating bosses 109 and 110 are provided between the 'contact point 104 and the dummy contact point 105. Still another insulating boss 111 is provided beyond the point 105.

Within the circle defined by the inner ring of contacts 101-104 the insulating board 46 is equipped with a stationary contact ring 114, having an outwardly projecting arm 116 which is secured under the contact points 85 and 86. The dummy contact point 105 is preferably formed from the arm 116. The continuous ring 114.is preferably made of sheet metal or other suitable material. Normally, the continuous nng 114 is connected to the battery or other source of electrical power; The contactors 51-55 act as bridges to distribut: the electrical 5. power to the various contact points, or between adjacent points.

It will be seen that a gap ornotch 118 is formed in the outer edge of the contact ring 114. An insulating boss or semi-perforation 120 is preferably received in the gap 118. p

The various contactors 51-55 are provided with means for selectively engaging the stationary contact points and, in some cases, the contact ring 114. Thus, the first contactor 51 is provided with a portion 122 for engaging the contact ring 114. The'portion 122 is preferably in the form of a contact point, projecting rearwardly from the contactor 51, adjacent the inner drive tab 58. To engage the outer circle of contact points 81-91 the contactor 51 is provided with another portion 124, preferably in the form of a contact sector which is slidable along the con tact points. Flanges 126 are preferably bent at inclined angles from the ends of the contact sector 124 to act as ramps, so that the contact sector will slide easily over the contact points. It will be realized that the. contact sector 124 of the first contactor 51 is engageable with only a certain group of the contacts 81-91, the other contacts being engageable by certain of the other contactors. The contact sector 124 is long enough to engage the two adjacent contact points simultaneously as the contactor is moved.

The contactor 51 has an intermediate portion 128 which is offset forwardly from the contact sector 124, so as to avoid engagement between the contactor 51 and the inner circle of contact points 101-104. The intermediate portion 128 arches over the contact points 101- 104.

The illustrated contactor 53 is the same in construction as the contactor 51. The contactor 55 also has inner and outer contacting portions 130 and 132, but is somewhat different in construction from the contactor 51.

Thus, the inner contacting portion 130 comprises a pair of contact points 134 for engaging the stationary contact ring 114. The outer contacting portion 132 is in the form of a contact sector, which is similar to the sector 124, but is shorter, so that the sector 132 Will engage the contact points 81-91, one at a time.

The contactors 52 and 54 are shorter in a radial direction than the contactor 51. As shown, the contactors 52 and 54 are adapted to engage the inner circle of contacts 101-104. Each of the contactors 52 and 54 comprises a contact portion 138 in the form of a contact sector which is slidably engageable with the inner circle of contacts 101-104. The sector 138 is long enough to form a bridge between two adjacent contacts. To prevent the contactors 52 and 54 from engaging the contact ring 114, the inner drive tab 58 is formed with a flange 139, adapted to engage the insulating board. The flange 139 on each of the contactors 52 and 54 holds the contactor away from the contact ring 114.

It will be seen from FIGS. 4 and 11 that a ring-shaped recess 140 is formed in the carriage 36 between the hub 66 and the flange 70. The contactors 52 and 54 are positioned in this recess 140. Moreover, the inner portions of the longer contactors 51, 53 and 55 are positioned in the recess 140.

Another ring-shaped recess 142 is formed between the outer and inner flanges 68 and 70. The outer portions of the contactors 51, 53 and '55 are positioned in the recess 142.

The illustrated switch also comprises a detent mechanism for detaining the carriage 36 in one or more operatiug positions. As illustrated, the detent mechanism comprises a detent plate 150 which is rotatable with the carriage 36. It will be seen that the detent plate 150 is located between the carriage 36 and the front wall 26 of the casing 22. The carriage 36 has a front hub portion 152 which extends through an opening 154 in the detent plate 150. Means are provided to couple the detent plate 150 to the carriage 36. In the illustrated construction, the detent plate is formed with a pair of coupling elements 156, preferably in the form of rearwardly projecting flanges or ears. The carriage 36 has complementary coupling elements in the form of openings or slots 158, in which the flanges 156 are slidably received.

Complementary detent elements are formed on the detent plate 150, and also on the front wall 26 of the casing 22. In the illustrated construction, the detent elements on the detent plate 150 are in the form of bumps or projections 160, extending forwardly therefrom. The illustrated projections 160 are spherically curved. The complementary detent elements on the front wall 26 are in the form of indentations or recesses 162 adapted to receive and locate the projections 160. Openings 164 are preferably formed in the mounting bracket 24 to accommodate the indentations 162.

Means are provided to bias the detent plate 150 in a forward direction, relative to the carriage 36, so that the detent projections 160 will be resiliently pressed into the indentations 162. In the illustrated switch 20, the biasing means comprise a plurality of springs 166. Preferably, these same springs 166 are employed to bias the contactors 51-55 rearwardly, so that they will be pressed into engagement with the contact ring 114 and the contact points 81-91 and 101-104. Thus, the illustrated springs 166 extend through openings 168 in the carriage 136. The springs 166 are preferably in the form of compression coil springs.

Means are provided to prevent the springs 166 from establishing any electrical connection between the contactors and the detent plate 150. While the detent plate 150 might be made of insulating material, to obviate any electrical connection, the illustrated plate 150 is made of metal but is provided with an insulating member 170, which is interposed between the detent plate and the springs 166. As shown, the insulating member 170 is in the form of a plate or sheet which is rotatable with the detent plate 150. Slots or openings 172 are formed in the insulating plate 10 to receive the coupling flanges 156. The insulating plate 170 has an opening 174 therein, to correspond with the opening 154 in the detent plate 150.

Means are provided to limit the rotary travel of the carriage 36. As shown in FIG. 11, such means comprise an ear or lug 176 which is bent rearwardly from the front wall 26 of the casing 22. The lug 176 extends into an angular slot or cut-out 178 in the detent plate 1508A corresponding cut-out 180 is formed in the insulating plate 170.

To locate the bias springs 166, the contactors 51-55 are formed with forwardly directed dimples or projections, which extend into the coils of the springs. Thus, each of the contactors 51 and 53 is formed with a dimple 182. A similar dimple 184 is formed in the contactor 55. Dimples 186 are formed in the contactors 52 and '54. It has already been noted that the contact points '85 and 86 are connected together by the arm 116 of the stationary con tact ring 114. To provide the desired switching functions, certain of the other contact points are connected together, preferably by means of external straps on the insulating board 46. Thus, a strap 188 is connected between the contact points 82 and 83, as shown in FIG. 2.

Another strap 190 is connected between the contact points 87 and 88. Still another strap 192 extends between the contact points 90 and 101.

As indicated by the legends in FIG. 1, the illustrated switch 20 has five operation positions, which are designated high, low, 011?, defrost and de-ice. In these operating positions, the contactors 51-55 establish various connections involving the stationary contact ring 114 and the various contact points 81-91 and 101-104. The contact points 85 and 86 and the contact ring 114 are normally connected to the battery, or some other source of electrical power. The other contact points are connected to the circuits which are to be energized by the switch. The following table shows the connections which are established by the five contactors 51-55 in the five positions of the switch:

Contractor Battery ring between 1148586. Strap 188 between 82-83.

Strap 190 between 87-88.

Strap 192 between 90-101.

In the above table, the contact points shown in parentheses represent duplicate or redundant connections, already established by the battery ring 114 or the external straps 188, 190 and 192.

In the illustrated switch, the arrangement for driving the contactors 51-55 is especially advantageous, because the driving forces are transmitted between the carriage 36 and the contactors by the drive tabs 58 and 60, which are disposed substantially in the radial plane of the contactors. Thus, the driving forces are substantially coplanar with the forces of frictional resistance between the contactors and the various stationary contacts. The frictional forces are substantially in direct opposition to the driving forces, instead of being spaced apart along parallel lines, as in prior conventional switches. Being in direct opposition, the driving force and the frictional resisting force on each contactor do not produce any substantial couple or torque on the contactor. Thus, there is no substantial tendency for the contactor to be rocked or swung out of position. This tendency is a problem with the prior conventional switches. Thus, with the switch of the present invention, each contactor is maintained in its operating position with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.

As shown in FIG. 14 there is sufiicient clearance between the drive tabs and the drive slots to permit each of the contactors to rock sufliciently to insure that the contactor will be pressed firmly against the adjacent contact points. Due to the location of the drive tabs in the radial plane of the contactor, this rocking movement does not result in any substantial mispositioning of the contactor. The clearance between the drive tabs and the drive slots is sufficient to prevent binding, but not so great as to cause any substantial inaccuracy in the positioning of the contactor. With the construction of the present invention, the clearance between the contactors and the carriage may be less than heretofore, without any binding problems, so that greater accuracy is achieved in the positioning of the contactors.

The construction of the illustrated switch is of a universal character, in that the arrangement of the contactors and the contact points may be changed, to produce different versions of the switch, with a minimum of changes in the various components of the switch. The detent mechanism has the advantage that it may remain unchanged for many different versions of the switch. In the various versions of the switch, the contactors will be located dilferently, with the result that the locations of the biasing springs 166 will be changed. However, all of the biasing springs will still press forwardly upon the insulating plate 170 which is carried by the detent plate 150. Thus, the detent plate will still be pressed forwardly so that it will function in the same manner as before. If additional pressure is needed on the detent plate, additional springs may be positioned between the insulating plate 170 and the carriage 36. Blind openings may be provided in the carriage to receive the additional springs.

To produce different versions of the switch, the carriage 36 must be changed, but the changes are of a minor character which can easily be made. Thus, the locations of holes 168 for the springs 166 can easily be changed. Moreover, it is easy to change the locations of the various drive slots for the contactors. All of the drive slots are formed in the hub 66 and the flanges 68 and 70. The

carriage 36 is preferably molded from a suitable plastic material. It is easy to revise the mold for the carriage so as to change the locations of the drive slots and the spring holes. V

To produce diiferent versions of the switch, the locations of the contact points must be changed. Such changes can easily be made. The various contact openings and semi-perforations in the insulating board 46 are preferably formed by using a punch and die set, which can easily be changed to accommodate changes in the 10- cations of the contact points and semi-perforations.

The provision of the detent plate has the further advantage that this construction makes the switch easy to assemble. The tricky assembly procedures associated with ball type detents are obviated. The detent plate and the detent springs can not escape or move out of position during the assembly operation.

The construction of the present invention is especially well adapted to produce many variations of a rotary switch which is capable of carrying out complex switching functions in a large number of circuits. The construction of the present invention reduces the cost and increases the dependability and efficiency of such switches.

In some cases, it may be desired to produce a switch which does not have any detenting action. Such a switch may be desired for a situation in which a detenting action is provided by an external control mechanism or the like which is connected to the switch. When such a switch is desired, it is easy to modify the illustrated switch to eliminate the detenting action. This may be done in several ways. The detent indentations 162 in the front wall 26 of the casing 22 may be eliminated so that the front wall will be smooth. This represents a minimum change in the switch. As a further modification, the dea tent plate 150 may be eliminated. The insulating plate may be constructed and arranged to slide along the smooth front wall of the casing. By way of still further modification, the insulating plate 170 may also be eliminated, in which case the contact springs 166 are mounted in blind openings, formed in the insulating carriage 36. The blind openings are employed instead of the holes 168.

It will be understood that the operating lever 40 may be replaced with any suitable means for turning the rotatable carriage 36. Thus, for example, the carriage may be provided with a shaft adapted to receive a suitable knob or the like.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, as exemplified in the foregoing description and defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In an electrical switch,

the combination comprising a casing,

an insulating carriage rotatably mounted in said casing,

means connected to the front end of said carriage and extending out of said casing for rotating said carriage,

a plurality of stationary contacts mounted in said casing opposite the rear side of said carriage,

at least one movable contactor mounted on the rear side of said carriage for selectively engaging said contacts, said contactor comprising a conductive member disposed generally in a radial plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said carriage,

and radially inner and outer pairs of interengaging drive elements on said contactor and said carriage for causing said contactor to rotate with said carriage,

one of said drive elements of each pair being on said contactor while the other drive element is on said carriage,

said drive elements constituting the exclusive driving connections between said carriage and said contactor, one of said drive elements on said contactor being directed radially inwardly while the other drive element on said contactor is directed radially outwardly, both of said drive elements on said contactor being disposed substantially in said radial plane, whereby the driving forces between said carriage and said contactor are in said plane and are substantially co-planar with the frictional resisting forces between the contactor and said contacts. 2. A combination according to claim 1, in which said drive elements on said contactor are if! the form of a pair of tabs projecting therefrom but substantially in the plane of said contactor. 3. A combination according to claim 2, in which said drive elements on said carriage comprise wall elements with openings therein for receiving said tabs. 4. A combination according to claim 3, in which said wall elements on said carriage are opposite edge portions of said contactor. A combination according to claim 1, including spring means for biasing said contactor into engagement with said contacts. 6. A combination according to claim 1, including an insulating member for supporting said i stationary contacts, and a guide member projecting from said contactor and slidably engaging said insulating member for preventing engagement between said contactor and at least one of said stationary contacts. 7 A combination according to claim 6, in which said drive elements on said contactor comprise tabs projecting therefrom but substantially in the plane of said contactor, said guide member being in the form of a flange on one of said tabs. 8. In an electrical switch, the combination comprising a casing, an insulating carriage rotatably mounted in said casing, means connected to-the front end of said carriage and "extending out of said casing for rotating said carriage, a plurality of stationary contacts mounted in said casing opposite the rear side of said carriage, at least one movable contactor mounted on the rear side of said carriage for selectively engaging said contacts, said contactor comprising a conductive member dis- ,posed generally in a radial plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said carriage, and first and second pairs of drive elements on said contactor and said carriage for causing said contactor to rotate with said carriage, one of said drive elements of each pair being on said contactor while the other drive element is on said carriage, said drive elements on said contactor being disposed substantially in said radial plane, whereby the driving forces between said carriage and said contactor are in said plane and are substantially co-planar with the frictional resisting forces between the contactor and said contacts, said drive elements on said contactor comprising a pair of tabs projecting inwardly and outwardly therefrom in generally radial directions, said drive elements on said carriage comprising wall elements thereon opposite inner and outer edge portions of said contactor, said wall elements having slots therein for receiving said tabs to drive said contactor. 9 A combination according to claim 8, in which limited clearance is provided between said tabs and said slots to provide for limited rocking movement of said contactor.

10. In an electrical switch,

the combination comprising a casing,

an insulated carriage rotatably mounted in said casing,

means connected to the front end of said carriage and extending out of said casing for rotating said carriage,

a plurality of stationary contacts mounted in said casing opposite the rear side of said carriage,

at least one movable contactor mounted on the rear side of said carriage for selectively engaging said contacts,

said contactor comprising a conductive member disposed generally in a radial plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said carriage,

and first and second pairs of drive elements on said contactor and said carriage for causing said contactor to rotate with said carriage,

one of said drive elements of each pair being on said contactor while the other drive element is on said carriage,

said drive elements on said contactor being disposed substantially in said radial plane,

whereby the driving forces between said carriage and said contactor are in said plane and are substantially co-planar with the frictional resisting forces between the contactor and said contacts,

said drive elements on said contactor comprising inner and outer tabs thereon projecting inwardly and outwardly therefrom in generally radial direction,

said drive elements on said carriage comprising inner and outer wall elements thereon,

said wall elements having slots therein for receiving said tabs,

said inner wall element comprising a generally cylindrical hub on said carriage with a slot therein for receiving said inner tab,

said outer wall element on said carriage comprising a generally cylindrical flange thereon with a slot therein for receiving said outer tab.

11. A combination according to claim 10,

comprising a second contactor on said carriage for selectively engaging said contacts,

said second contactor extending substantially in said radial plane,

said second contactor having irmer and outer drive tabs substantially in said plane,

said hub having a second drive slot for receiving said inner drive tab,

and a second generally cylindrical flange on said carriage and having a drive slot therein for receiving said outer drive tab.

12. A combination according to claim 11,

in which said second flange is spaced outwardly from said first mentioned flange,

said first mentioned flange having an opening therein for receiving said second contactor.

13. In an electrical switch,

the combination comprising a casing,

a carriage rotatable in said casing,

means connected to said carriage and extending out of said casing for rotating said carriage,

a plurality of contacts mounted in said casing opposite one end of said carriage,

a plurality of contactors mounted on said carriage and selectively engageable with said contacts,

means for causing said contactors to rotate with said carriage while providing for rearward and forward movement of said contactors relative to said carriage,

said casing having an end wall opposite the opposite end of said carriage,

a detent plate rotatable with said carriage and disposed between said carriage and said end wall,

means for causing said detent plate to rotate with said carriage while providing for rearward and forward translatory movement of said detent plate relative to said carriage,

11' interengaging detent elements on said detent plate and said end wall for detaining said carriage in at least one operation position,

' said detent elements on said detent plate being retained thereon for both rotation and translatory movement therewith,

said carriage having a plurality of openings extending therethrough,

a plurality of springs extending through said openings between said detent plate and said contactors for biasing said detent plate against said end wall while biasing said contactors toward said contacts,

and an insulating member carried by said detent plate and interposed between said springs and said detent plate for obviating any electrical connection between said detent plate and said contactors.

12 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/ 1 937 Haines. 6/ 1947 Heasty. 5/ 1924 Kunkle 200-14 X 1/ 1962 Ellithorpe 20011 FOREIGN PATENTS 9/1963 Great Britain. 4/1963 Germany.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner R. A. VANDERHYE, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

